Hernando County Car Accident Lawyer :: Dangers for Children Involved in a Brooksville Car Accident

March 1, 2013

As parents, we spend most of our time trying to protect our children from any dangers. In fact, we go to extreme lengths to make sure their safety is never compromised. So when it comes to our kids riding in cars, we always want to ensure that they are safe.

Families often spend many hours a week riding in a vehicle. Whether you are toting your child to and from school, to play dates, ballet classes or baseball practice, there are ample opportunities for a child to become injured in a Brooksville car wreck. However, studies show that many of the primary causes for injury and death to children in motor vehicle collisions are 100 percent preventable.

Some of the leading causes for injury and death for children riding as passengers in cars are:

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  Unrestrained Youngsters. While this may come as a shock to you, there are children who ride in cars while unrestrained. Statistics show that nearly 40 percent of children riding with a driver who does not wear a seatbelt, will ride without their seat belt as well. So, stress the importance of travelling safely to your kids and lead by example. Always buckle up no matter how close you are to your destination. Remember, accidents can happen anywhere in a matter of seconds, so it is always strap yourself in.
• Incorrectly Restrained Children. It is not uncommon for child safety restraint systems to be used incorrectly. In fact, studies have shown that more than 70 percent of car and booster seats were improperly used in a way that could actually increase the risk of child injuries in a car accident. So, be smart and make sure you are using your child’s safety restraints in a correct manner. Go over how to use car and booster seats with your babysitters, nannies and relatives who may be unaware of how these function so that you can rest assure that your children are safe even when they are not in your care.
• Drunk Drivers. Drunk drivers pose a threat to everyone on the road, but they can be especially dangerous for children. A high number of children suffer fatal injuries every year while riding with an intoxicated driver. This is just another example of why it is never a good idea to drink and drive.

If you or your child has suffered an injury in a car accident in Brooksville, you may be able to recover for your damages. Contact a Hernando County Car Accident Attorney at Whittel & Melton today online or call 352-666-2121 to arrange a meeting for a free consultation. We will make sure you understand your legal rights and options, and will go over what important steps you should think about taking next.